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Pete on the Preakness: The true people's race

Preakness, while growing more corporate over the last decade, remains the people's race

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Updated: 8:56 AM MDT May 19, 2017

WBALSOURCE: WBAL

Pete on the Preakness: The true people's race

Preakness, while growing more corporate over the last decade, remains the people's race

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Updated: 8:56 AM MDT May 19, 2017

BALTIMORE —

While lacking the stature of the Kentucky Derby and the possibility of consummating the Triple Crown that the Belmont may offer, those that really know believe The Preakness Stakes is the best race of the Triple Crown.

At Churchill Downs, it's a madhouse with 20 horses breaking at once. Too often, a great horse gets knocked around in the chaos of the start, unable to recover. The Preakness, with a max of 14, and only 10 in 2017, gives us a much truer test for the best.

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The Kentucky Derby also reveals a host of horses that found out they just aren’t good enough. It’s a race to weed out the pretenders that hoped for a miracle in Louisville.

And the Preakness, while more corporate over the last decade, remains the people's race. The infield is unlike any other party on the planet, still an affordable celebration with great music, racing and imbibing.

As the people's race, there’s a lack of snobbery we see at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. I mean, we still get all gussied up, but by and large, it's a welcoming event.

When Doug O’Neill arrived with I’ll Have Another in 2011, he couldn't get over the hospitality at Pimlico, and of that of the entire city. The comfy, low key, but relentless efforts to make it a special stay left a lasting mark on the long-time trainer.

The history seen at Pimlico Race Course leaves it as a true historical landmark. The memories come to life of Seabiscuit, Man 'O War, Secretariat and the latest super horse, American Pharoah, come to life when you walk through the gates.

We have a treasure of an event and a venue that, while showing of its age, remains a source of pride for the city.

The Preakness Stakes is our celebration of horse racing, and you're all invited.